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Greetings!
This issue of News & Views finds us exploring wellness, an announcement from the US Department of Labor, GPS, and more.
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| US Department of Labor Announces Overtime & Minimum Wage Delay | |
Companion Exemption Elimination
This week the US Department of Labor (DOL) announced a delay in enforcement of new overtime and minimum wage rules for domestic workers. DOL will use prosecutorial discretion to determine whether to bring enforcement actions towards third party employers, but only after July 1, 2015.
Offering live-in and overnight care at a per diem rate, rather than hourly, has long been an acceptable way for seniors and others to afford in-home care. The federal FLSA companion exemption from overtime historically made this service available and, in fact, most state Medicaid programs are funded around this model. DOL's announcement was primarily a response to state Medicaid Directors who asked for a delay in enforcement due to current lack of funding.
To avoid possible litigation and penalties, third party employers must pay their caregivers minimum wage and overtime for all hours worked beginning January 1, 2015.
Even with the delay, employers may still be subject to state claims and civil suits for non-compliance. Pending on-going litigation and challenges in the higher courts, the companion exemption won't exist after January 1st. Homecare agencies who traditionally offered live-in services will need to change their price model in order to comply with FLSA.
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How Well Are Your Clients?
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Reduce Readmission With Generations Wellness
 Readmission rates are a hot button topic in the health and homecare industries. A May 2014 Mayo Clinic study identified strategies that could be implemented to reduce early hospital readmissions. After reviewing forty-seven randomized studies, researchers concluded that the most effective strategies included assessing "...the patient's living environment, their level of support, their resources, and their psychological and physical limitations." Essentially, the study shows how combining technology with engaging interactions and home visits can be very effective in reducing readmissions. Generations Wellness supports this type of integrated approach, and was designed to help you monitor and identify factors that might trigger a readmission. For example, you might monitor the pain level or mood of a client. You could also monitor blood glucose level, sudden weight gain or blood pressure for changes. By simply tapping on a device screen, on-site documentation has never been easier. If the entry falls outside of parameters established in the client's file, an alert is issued. Designated members of the care team can respond immediately resulting in better care. Combined with your agency's superior capability to provide individualized attention and care, Generations Wellness gives you a new way to market your services to hospitals and family caregivers, and ultimately, reduce hospital readmissions. |
App Updates Enhance GPS
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 GPS Visit Verification
Our recent update included improvements to the Generations App. Used by office users, caregivers, and clients, the app makes working on the road or in the field a breeze.
Caregivers, for example, can log in and out of shifts without requiring a phone call from the client's home phone. Instead, they tap on the App screen at the start and finish of their shift to acknowledge their arrival and departure. They can also see tasks associated with the shift and answer wellness questions regarding the client; learn more about this responsive approach to client care above.
Among other things, this release enhances the GPS functionality which pinpoints the location of the caregiver at the time of login and logout. GPS has three ways to determine the location on a smart phone or tablet:
- Using triangulation and cell phone towers
- Using Wi-Fi
- Using a reading from a satellite
The most reliably accurate location comes from a satellite, which most devices utilize.
If your device is not able to obtain a GPS signal, try again with a clear line of sight to the sky. If you are unable to get a strong signal, the Generations App will provide the agency's unique 800 number used as an alternate means of real-time verification of care.
Download the app today!
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Conference, Survey, and Chat
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 Summarizing IDS Happenings
- We'll be in the exhibit hall at the HCAOA Annual Leadership Conference October 12-15. Taking place in Kansas City, Missouri, the conference is focusing on helping care providers navigate the "Perfect Storm" of changes occurring in our industry. Lisa, Katy, and Amanda look forward to meeting you!
- If you use Generations Online, check your email for a short survey. We're donating $1 to the Alzheimer's Association for every response received.
- Additionally, we're implementing new live chat software on Monday, October 13. We anticipate this will make the chatting experience even more user-friendly and help us better monitor our customer service effectiveness.
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